UCLA Football Notebook: Young offensive line facing a major test

When the No. 17 Bruins host USC at noon at the Rose Bowl, they will face a defensive front seven that ranks fourth in the conference in sacks (37), notching seven a week ago against Arizona State. Meanwhile, UCLA's line consists of one senior, two redshirt freshmen, a true freshman and a sophomore coming off a two-year break from football.

"I used to be scared if I had one redshirt sophomore on the line," said offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone.

For the first time in school history, the Bruins opened the fall with a trio of freshmen up front.

Jake Brendel handled center, where head coach Jim Mora said he has been solid all season. Torian White and true freshman Simon Goines filled the tackle spots.

"It was our best option," Mora said. "Once you decide what your best option is, you go with it. You do all you can to make it work. (We were) being a little bit nervous or uncertain as to how they're going to perform, maybe. But not hesitancy."

The only three Pac-12 teams with more sacks than No. 21 USC are UCLA, ASU and Stanford.

Thigpen back

to full health

Do-it-all threat Damien Thigpen sat out last week's trip to Washington State with a sprained ankle, but should play against USC. The kick returner/backup running back leads the Bruins with 17 plays of 20 yards or more.

Freshman receiver Devin Lucien is still healing from a broken collarbone he suffered in September, but may return for the regular-season finale against Stanford.

Receiver Steven Manfro practiced lightly Thursday, and will be a game-time decision with a sprained ankle.